There are so many amazing foods that start with the letter K, it’s hard to figure out where to even begin!
We could talk about kabobs and kale, but those are too easy.
How about kiwi? It’s a favorite for breakfast as well as desserts. But there’s also kefir and kimchi- both of which start with “K.” And don’t forget kielbasa! It’s a favorite for breakfast as well as appetizers. There’s Kumquat, Kvass…and more! What do you think: Ready to go explore?
Contents
List of Foods That Start With K
Kiwi
The kiwifruit is a fruit native to China but was first cultivated in New Zealand, hence the name “kiwifruit”. Kiwi got their name because they reminded people of kiwis, flightless birds that are native to New Zealand. Kiwi fruits have become very popular and can range from green to yellow when ripe. They contain lots of Vitamin C and fiber and can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in many different recipes like pie, smoothies, curries…the list goes on!
Kosher Pickles
Kosher pickles are pickled cucumbers that have been kept separate from all other foods during preparation to make sure they’re very clean and pure. Kosher pickles can be eaten on their own or used as a side to meat dishes like brisket, pastrami, corned beef, etc.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are brightly colored beans used in many different types of cuisine. They’re great for making chili, salads, and mixed vegetable dishes.
Koshihikari Rice
This rice is known for being grown in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture, and it has a taste that is described as smooth. It can be cooked using traditional methods and tastes great on its own or with different accompaniments.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is not actually a vegetable – it’s part of the cabbage family even though it doesn’t look like one. Kohlrabi has bulbous green leaves that can be eaten raw (though they’re a bit bitter) or cooked as a side dish or as part of a meal. Kohlrabi is popular in Europe and Asia where it can be used as a substitute for potatoes.
Kimchi
Korean dish made from fermented vegetables like cabbage and radish as well as seasonings like red pepper powder and salt. It’s used as a side dish or eaten by itself!
Kiwano
Known better as the African horned cucumber, kiwano is a type of fruit with an interesting appearance. It’s usually eaten raw and tastes like.
Ketchup
Perhaps one of the most popular condiments used around the world today ketchup varies depending on the region. In the United States, most ketchups start with tomatoes then add sugar or sweetener and spices to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes.
Kit Kat
Kit Kats are chocolate covered wafers filled with a crème filling – they come in a variety of flavors like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, crisped rice…you name it! And if you’re looking for something sweet but not super indulgent – there’s always the sugar-free kind too.
Kefir
Many people think of dairy when they hear kefir but this fermented milk product can also be made from coconut water, soy milk, rice milk or goat’s milk. Like kombucha, kefir has plenty of health benefits including easing digestion problems.
Kabobs
Kabobs are small pieces of meat, seafood or vegetables that are often marinated then skewered and grilled. You can purchase pre-cut kabob meats at the grocery store or you can cut them yourself. Kabobs pair well with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and zucchini.
Kaffir Lime
The kaffir lime is native to Southeast Asia and has large leaves (similar to bay leaves) that give off a citrus flavor when used in cooking. Kaffir limes look similar to regular limes but have bumpier skin and they tend to be more expensive than regular limes due to their limited availability outside of tropical regions.
Kudzu
Kudzu is an edible plant that is often used as a food additive, and it has been used as such for over 2000 years. It’s high in protein and can be made into flour or boiled to make tea or soup.
King Crab
These come from the North Pacific Ocean and are also known as Alaskan King Crab. The legs are covered in extremely small hairs (which should be removed before cooking) and the meat is extremely tender.
Kingfish
Kingfish are a type of fish found in temperate waters around the world. They have a mild flavor and firm flesh, so they’re great for grilling or oven-baking. Kingfish can also be cooked as steaks, as well as being ground into fish burgers.
Kedgeree
This dish has been popular in Britain since the 18th century and is made with rice, smoked or salted fish (usually haddock), finely chopped vegetables and hard boiled eggs. Kedgeree isn’t too difficult to make – all you need to do is cook your ingredients separately then combine them in a small casserole dish before baking it!
Kasha
Kasha is buckwheat that has been roasted then crushed into smaller pieces. You can purchase kasha at the grocery store but you might not find it too appealing with its drab appearance. That’s why most people recommend pan-frying kasha in oil before adding liquid for flavor and texture benefits.
Ketembilla
Native to Australia, Ketembilla is used as seasoning for meats and seafood. It’s commonly found in many restaurants around the world.
Kielbasa
A type of Polish sausage made from minced pork or beef with a filling of grain and spices. Kielbasa is often cooked on a grill – but can also be boiled, fried, broiled, baked, or microwaved.
Kumera
It takes almost 2 minutes to cook this vegetable! Kumera can be flavored however you like, but they taste great with salt and pepper and butter.
Knish
A knish is a type of dumpling filled with meat, potatoes, cheese, or other ingredients that can be baked or fried then eaten on its own or alongside another dish like soup. Knishes are very popular in Eastern European countries like Russia where they were introduced by Jewish immigrants after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a traditional dessert that’s easy to make at home! It can be composed of graham cracker crust, cream cheese, condensed milk, egg yolks, fresh key limes juice, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
Kirsch
Kirsch is a cherry brandy that can be used as a cooking ingredient or for drinking. It’s made from the fermented juice of black cherries and has a very sweet flavor. Kirsch can also be distilled into pure alcohol which is then used to make different kinds of medicines, cosmetics, and even pesticides.
Kale
Many people don’t know what kale tastes like because it’s often prepared differently than most leafy greens. Kale can be served raw in salads or cooked with pasta, rice, beans or quinoa.
Kvass
A traditional drink from Eastern Europe that’s made by fermenting bread called kvass, this drink is high in probiotics and can be served alone or with a meal.
Kava
Kava is an herb native to the South Pacific that has mild narcotic effects (similar to alcohol). Kava isn’t usually consumed on its own but rather mixed with water or fruit juice. You can find kava root at the grocery store in either liquid, powder or capsule form.
Kahlua
Kahlua is a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made of coffee, sugar cane and vanilla. It’s often used in desserts or paired with ice cream to make delicious floats!
Kipper
Kippers are a type of fish that has been salted and then smoked over smoldering peat or wood for up to 3 days. They’re often eaten with butter on toast during breakfast.
Kung Pao Chicken
This dish is a popular Chinese restaurant order and features chicken, peanuts, and hot peppers. It goes well with rice and can be served alone or with different sauces like vinegar and soy sauce.
Kettle Corn
Popcorn is made by popping kernels of corn under heat and then adding them to a sugar mixture. They are great eaten on their own or added to other snacks like kettle corn.
Kiwi Berries
Just like kiwis, kiwi berries are small green fruits covered in fuzzy brown skin – though unlike kiwis they can’t be peeled. Inside they look like bright green grapes and contain lots of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re great on their own as a snack or used in desserts!
Kecap Manis
Kecap manis is a sweet soy sauce used often in Indonesian cuisine that adds flavor and color to meats like pork, beef or chicken. For people who are looking for alternatives to sugary barbecue sauces, kecap manis makes for a great alternative. It’s also commonly used as an ingredient in peanut satay!
Kumquat
These small orange fruits grow on trees that are evergreen. The skin of the kumquat is edible, but some people remove it when eaten because it’s bitter when eaten raw. These little guys add a nice flavor to drinks like water or soda by dropping one in while the drink maker is mixing up their drink.
Wrap Up
The list of foods that start with the letter K is a long one. There are so many different types of food from all over the world, it can be hard to keep track!
Now that we’ve covered the letter “K” and all of its delicious foods, It’s time to have a look at some lists like this- perhaps starting with another letter?
